The Language of Diabetes: what’s changed and what still needs to change?
Language shapes how people with diabetes experience their care, their health, and how they see themselves. This article, from the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD), looks at how diabetes language has evolved, what progress has been made, and what still needs to shift.
Key points include:
The #LanguageMatters movement has gained global momentum, with 20+ position statements now guiding more respectful, people-first communication
Terms like “compliance” and “control” have largely been replaced with language that affirms dignity and supports person-centred care
Harmful, vague, or misleading terms such as “lifestyle” and “prevention” can oversimplify complex conditions, reinforce stigma, and lead to blame or shame
Alternatives like “risk reduction” provide more accuracy, while reframing how we talk about prevalence and costs can avoid dehumanising language such as “cases” or “burden”
The authors call for ongoing reflection and adaptation. Language is always evolving, and listening to people with diabetes is critical to ensure communication reduces stigma, promotes respect, and supports better health outcomes.